The organizers of next year’s landmark double‑header TCS London Marathon have finally settled the timetable after a light‑hearted rock‑paper‑scissors showdown between two of the race’s most celebrated champions. The 2027 edition will be an unprecedented two‑day extravaganza, running from Saturday 24 April to Sunday 25 April, and it is set to host a staggering 100,000 runners, walkers, wheelchair athletes and supporters along the iconic route that stretches from Greenwich’s historic Royal Observatory to the grandeur of Westminster. Until now, the precise allocation of elite events to each of the two days remained a mystery. The race’s governing body turned to the defending men’s champion, Sabastian Sawe, who famously shattered the two‑hour barrier in his victorious 2026 performance, to help lock in the schedule.
Sawe was paired with Catherine Debrunner, a four‑time London Marathon winner and the current holder of the women’s wheelchair record set in 2023. The two legends faced off in a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors duel, with the winner earning the right to choose the day for her elite race. Both competitors initially favoured Sunday, the traditional marathon day that usually sees the largest crowds and the most media attention.
In the final round, Debrunner’s hand triumphed, securing the Sunday slot for the elite women’s and elite women’s wheelchair races. Consequently, the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair contests will kick off the weekend on Saturday, 24 April, while the mass‑participation events—open to male, female and non‑binary athletes—will be spread across both days, giving everyone a chance to experience the historic course. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, praised the unconventional method of decision‑making. “The 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will be a momentous one‑off event, and Sabastian and Catherine’s battle was an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race,” he said.
“We can now look forward to two spectacular days of elite racing, with the men opening the weekend on Saturday 24 April and the women launching the second day on Sunday 25 April. The competition may not be quite so friendly when race weekend arrives! Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part.” Beyond the novelty of the selection process, the two‑day format is expected to generate unprecedented charitable fundraising.
Organisers anticipate that the event will become the largest charitable‑giving moment in UK sporting history, with projections exceeding £150 million in donations for a wide array of charitable causes. The expanded schedule allows for more fundraising activities, sponsor engagements, and community outreach programmes, all of which will be woven into the marathon weekend.
The decision to host a double‑header marathon also reflects a broader trend in major road races to diversify the spectator experience and provide greater exposure for elite wheelchair athletes. By allocating a dedicated day for the women’s and women’s wheelchair elite fields, the London Marathon aims to give these competitors equal media coverage, prize‑money opportunities, and fan attention that they might otherwise share with the men’s races on a single‑day event. Participants in the mass‑participation sections can expect the usual mix of seasoned marathoners, first‑time runners, charity fundraisers, and those simply looking to enjoy the festive atmosphere of one of the world’s most famous city races.
The organizers have promised enhanced amenities, including upgraded water stations, expanded medical support, and a more extensive route‑side entertainment programme that will feature live music, cultural performances, and interactive fan zones. Logistically, the two‑day structure presents challenges and opportunities. Road closures will be staggered to minimise disruption to city traffic, while public transport providers have pledged additional services to ferry runners and spectators between key points along the course.
The extended weekend also gives local businesses a longer period of increased footfall, potentially boosting the city’s economy during the spring season. In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will break new ground both in format and fundraising ambition. A playful rock‑paper‑scissors contest between Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner determined that the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races will take place on Saturday, 24 April, while the elite women’s and women’s wheelchair events will be held on Sunday, 25 April.
The event will accommodate a record‑breaking 100 000 participants, spread the elite spotlight across two days, and aim to raise more than £150 million for charitable causes, cementing its place as a historic moment in UK sport.